Wenyuan Academy boasted a century-long history, having nurtured numerous talents. Nearly thirty percent of its students served as officials in the Dayong Dynasty, making it a renowned institution that many desperately tried to enter, though few succeeded.
The original host had gained admission to Wenyuan Academy because its founding principal hailed from Qingshan Village.
Thus, Qingshan Village held three enrollment spots at Wenyuan Academy.
However, few could afford education, as studying was an extravagant luxury in ancient times.
Currently, only two individuals from Qingshan Village attended Wenyuan Academy.
One was Shao Ran, grandson of the Old Village Chief, and the other was the original host.
Shao Yanzhe gazed at the tall white walls before him but didn’t rush inside.
He found a secluded spot to crouch, set down his book chest, and periodically peered toward the academy’s entrance.
Soon, he noticed scholars in moon-white robes entering the academy in succession.
After careful observation, he found their expressions perfectly normal, with nothing appearing amiss.
The entire academy seemed like an ordinary institution, devoid of any peculiarities.
Noting the setting sun, Shao Yanzhe knew time was short. He placed Xuan Yao atop the book chest.
Then, he unrolled the tied scroll to reveal its painting.
With a solemn expression, he asked, “One last chance—are you truly decided on entering with me? Remember, a powerful malevolent spirit might lurk inside. You could lose your lives!”
Yun Weiyue’s gentle yet resolute voice responded, “Of course. Don’t forget, we’re partners—I’m counting on you to clear my name!”
Xuan Yao, slightly delayed, shot her a displeased glance before turning to Shao Yanzhe, proudly raising his head: “Meow!”
How would you manage without me, two-legged creature?
Shao Yanzhe’s eyes crinkled, a genuine smile spreading to their corners.
“Alright then! Let’s set off now!”
“Safety first! If danger arises, prioritize your own survival!”
Shao Yanzhe emphasized this gravely to the cat and ghost.
“Understood!”
“Meow!”
Shao Yanzhe secured the scroll to Xuan Yao’s back, ensuring it wouldn’t fall during movement, then shouldered the book chest.
The trio split up: Shao Yanzhe entered through the main gate, while the other two—Xuan Yao carrying the scroll—scaled the wall.
After watching Xuan Yao leap onto the wall, Shao Yanzhe approached the entrance, only to be halted by a startled voice.
“Shao Yanzhe! Stop right there!”
The tone was urgent, tinged with fear.
He looked up to see the original host’s Fuzi standing not far from the gate, face etched with anxiety. The man seemed eager to approach but hesitated for unknown reasons.
Shao Yanzhe strode over, clasped his hands, and bowed: “Greetings, Fuzi!”
The Fuzi trembled, pointing a shaking finger, lips quivering speechlessly.
Finally, he sighed deeply: “Did you not receive my letter?”
Shao Yanzhe nodded: “I did, but unforeseen circumstances compelled my return.”
He spoke while scanning the surroundings, and only after confirming no one else was present did he reach out to pull open his collar, revealing a rather horrifying and bizarre sight beneath.
Before Fuzi could reprimand him for indecency, he was utterly stunned. His beard trembled slightly as his shoulders slumped in defeat.
“Even you have been dragged into this! Enough, enough. Come with me.”
With that, he motioned for Shao Yanzhe to follow and turned to leave.
Shao Yanzhe obediently trailed behind, soon arriving with Fuzi at the schoolroom.
Fuzi walked to the front of the room and said to him, “Come in. The time is almost upon us!”
Shao Yanzhe found his original seat and sat down, immediately noticing a gaze from his right.
He looked over and instantly recognized the person as Shao Ran, grandson of the Old Village Chief.
He blinked, puzzled as to why Shao Ran had returned to Wenyuan Academy after having left.
His eyes drifted downward, noticing the dense network of red blood vessels visible on Shao Ran’s exposed neck, and suddenly understood.
The Fuzi at the front held a stack of xuan paper, distributing it to each student in the schoolroom before speaking with grave seriousness: “This time, I don’t want to see anyone left behind there, understand? Memorize every word on these pages thoroughly!”
The pale-faced students couldn’t conceal their panic, but they nodded earnestly: “Yes!”
Shao Yanzhe’s gaze swept across the room, quickly spotting similar red markings on the other students, though the affected areas varied.
He had observed how Fuzi and the students were forcing composure, but he didn’t understand what Fuzi meant by “the time is almost upon us,” or where “there” referred to in the warning about not being left behind.
Given the current circumstances, he knew his questions would remain unanswered for now.
Shao Yanzhe pushed aside his thoughts and looked down at the xuan paper on the desk. It was covered in small Guange Style characters containing Imperial Exam material – nothing particularly profound, all content he had long mastered.
When he looked up front, he saw Fuzi sitting slumped in his chair with a troubled expression, eyes vacant as if his spirit had wandered far away.
After some thought, he stood up and approached Fuzi.
“Fuzi, this student has several doubts hoping for your guidance.”
Fuzi looked up at him and said, “Now is not the time for explanations. Wait until tomorrow for your answers.”
Shao Yanzhe persisted: “This student wishes to know what exactly has been happening in the academy.”
Fuzi glanced at the sky and replied, “You need not know. Just thoroughly memorize what I’ve given you – it will ensure your safety.”
Shao Yanzhe said with determination: “How does Fuzi know this student doesn’t need to know? I have the right to understand the truth, to better face the dangers ahead.”
Fuzi looked at him, sighed, and said, “Very well, come with me outside.”
They stood in the corridor outside the schoolroom. Fuzi gazed at the fading sunset on the horizon and began recounting everything that had recently occurred at Wenyuan Academy.
The academy first noticed something amiss about a month ago, though in truth, it started even earlier.
According to student accounts, three months prior, a beautiful woman suddenly appeared during a Class B student’s nighttime studies, offering guidance that rapidly improved his academic performance until he rivaled Class A students.
This student’s sudden rise attracted others’ attention. Through persistent questioning, they learned about the beautiful woman’s existence.
Thus, these students also began studying at night.
Sure enough, late at night, a beautiful woman would also appear to guide them in their essays.
As the underachieving students from Class B improved their grades, those who had previously been ahead but were now left behind refused to believe that these weaker students could achieve such good results.
Suspecting cheating in private, they secretly investigated and soon uncovered the truth, subsequently accepting guidance from the beautiful woman as well.
From then on, the situation spiraled out of control.
More and more students studied at night in hopes of receiving guidance from the beautiful woman, until eventually, all students at Wenyuan Academy were studying after dark.
The academy’s Fuzi remained unaware of these events until a student was found dead in the dormitory, finally drawing the academy’s attention.
After speaking with some students, a shocking truth came to light.
Wenyuan Academy divided students into three levels based on academic proficiency: Elementary Studies, Classical Studies, and Advanced Research, with each level further divided into Classes A, B, C, and D.
Each class had twenty students, making a total of two hundred and forty students in the academy.
The Fuzi learned from the students that every night, the beautiful woman would arrive punctually for her appointments.
This meant that around the same time each evening, all two hundred and forty students had the beautiful woman by their side.
According to the students’ descriptions, the beautiful woman they each saw was the same person!
This was no longer merely a case of an exceptionally talented woman accidentally entering the academy to teach students essay writing—it had directly evolved into supernatural mischief.
The deceased student’s skin was covered in dense, fine red blood vessels, with a red mole the size of an egg on his chest.
A pained expression flashed in the Fuzi’s eyes. He closed them briefly before continuing, “Later, several more students died one after another. With no other choice, the academy decided to temporarily suspend classes and send the students home. Unexpectedly, all the students began developing similar red moles and blood vessels like those on the deceased. Anyone who stayed away from the academy for more than seven days would inevitably die. Helpless, the headmaster recalled the students to the academy. But to our surprise, a few days later, the beautiful woman appeared before everyone and pulled all the academy’s occupants into an illusion. She demanded that everyone complete exams within a set time limit. Those who ranked last in the test results would be forever trapped in that illusion.”
Shao Yanzhe’s expression shifted slightly. He asked casually, “What did this beautiful woman look like?”
The Fuzi gave a general description: “She wore red gossamer garments that left red footprints where she walked. In her right hand, she carried a writing brush, dressed like a female scholar.”
Shao Yanzhe breathed a slight sigh of relief, thankful that his earlier suspicion hadn’t proven true.
The Fuzi then looked at him and said, “Now that you know the whole story, you should focus on your studies to ensure you can escape from the illusion.”
Shao Yanzhe nodded, “Yes, Fuzi!”
Returning to his seat, his gaze swept across the desk and noticed something that hadn’t been there before—a small bookmark with a line of tiny text written in an unusual red color.
Having previously let his guard down and fallen victim to the Soul Severing Curse in that letter, he now regarded this suddenly appearing bookmark with extreme caution, refraining from touching it outright.
His gaze swept around and suddenly met Shao Ran’s slightly impatient eyes on the right.
When Shao Ran met Shao Yanzhe’s gaze, his face showed a momentary unease, followed by a somewhat stiff smile.
“Cousin,” he greeted in a low voice.
Shao Yanzhe’s eyes flickered as he leaned closer and whispered, “A’Ran, does this belong to you?”
Shao Ran’s expression grew increasingly uncomfortable. He shook his head and denied, “It’s not mine.”
Shao Yanzhe stared at Shao Ran, growing more certain of his earlier suspicion—this suddenly appearing bookmark must have been placed by Shao Ran.
Under such intense scrutiny, a flash of anger crossed Shao Ran’s face. He turned sideways toward Shao Yanzhe, reached out to grab the bookmark, and then, with a twist of his wrist, attempted to shove it into Shao Yanzhe’s chest.
Shao Yanzhe had been prepared for this. He immediately dodged to the other side, avoiding Shao Ran’s hand.
Unexpectedly, due to his evasion, Shao Ran’s face suddenly contorted. He lunged at Shao Yanzhe, snarling with a grim laugh, “Why won’t you take it!”